Applications are now open for Australia’s 2026 fully funded Research Training Programme (RTP) scholarship, giving Nigerian students and other international applicants the opportunity to pursue Master’s by Research and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at participating Australian universities.

Funded by the Australian Government, the scholarship supports higher degree research students by covering full tuition fees, providing a living stipend and offering additional allowances to assist with research-related expenses.

According to information published by the Australian Government’s Department of Education, applications are not submitted through a central government portal. Instead, each participating university manages its own admission, scholarship application and selection process.

The programme is open to both domestic and international students, including Nigerians, provided they meet the admission requirements and English language proficiency standards of their chosen institution.

Introduced in 2017, the RTP replaced the Australian Postgraduate Award, the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship and the Research Training Scheme. The programme aims to strengthen research training while preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry and other professional sectors.

Successful applicants may receive funding that covers full tuition fees, an annual living allowance and additional financial support for expenses associated with higher degree research.

For the 2026 academic cycle, the full-time base RTP stipend is valued at AUD 34,315 per year, although some universities may provide higher stipends depending on their funding arrangements.

The scholarship is available for up to two years for full-time Master’s by Research students and up to four years for full-time PhD candidates.

Applications are currently being accepted through participating universities, with submission deadlines differing from one institution to another. While some universities close applications between July and October 2026 for early 2027 admission, others accept applications through different admission rounds during the year.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to identify universities that match their research interests and prepare all required documents before applying. These typically include a research proposal, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, referee reports and proof of English language proficiency.

The Department of Education advised interested candidates to contact their preferred university directly, stressing that there is no single application portal for the scholarship.

Key Things to Know About the Scholarship

The scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition fees, a living stipend and, in many cases, additional research-related allowances.

It is available only to students pursuing Master’s by Research and PhD programmes.

Nigerians and other international students are eligible to apply.

Applications must be submitted directly to participating Australian universities, as there is no central application portal.

Deadlines vary by institution, with multiple admission rounds held throughout the year.

The scholarship is highly competitive, making a strong academic record, well-developed research proposal and quality recommendation letters important.

Funding is available for up to two years for Master’s by Research programmes and up to four years for PhD studies.

Many universities also offer additional benefits such as Overseas Student Health Cover, relocation assistance and paid leave provisions.

There is no fixed age limit, but applicants are expected to demonstrate strong research potential.

Most universities require proof of English language proficiency through recognised tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, depending on institutional requirements.

Applicants are advised to visit the website of their preferred Australian university to confirm specific eligibility requirements, application deadlines and submission procedures before applying.